Specialist: Patient Navigator Oncology Services (Full-time)

Specialist: Patient Navigator Oncology Services (Full-time)

Pagosa Springs Medical Center - Pagosa Springs, Colorado

Position Highlight

Help guide oncology patients through every stage of care by reducing barriers, coordinating services, and providing compassionate support during some of life's most difficult moments.

Position Summary

Pagosa Springs Medical Center (PSMC) is seeking a compassionate and highly organized Patient Navigator Oncology Services to support patients throughout their cancer care journey.

This role serves as a key liaison between patients, families, providers, and the healthcare system by helping patients navigate complex treatment plans, appointments, insurance processes, education needs, and community resources. The Patient Navigator focuses on reducing barriers to care, improving care coordination, addressing social determinants of health, and supporting positive patient outcomes.

The ideal candidate is empathetic, resourceful, and passionate about patient advocacy and oncology support services.

Schedule Highlights

• Full-time position (40 hours/week)
• Primarily weekday clinic schedule
• No weekends or holidays anticipated based on standard clinic operations

Key Responsibilities

Patient Navigation & Support

• Guide oncology patients and families through the healthcare system and treatment process
• Provide emotional support and compassionate patient advocacy
• Help patients understand treatment plans, appointments, procedures, medications, and follow-up care
• Reinforce provider education and assist with patient understanding of care recommendations

Care Coordination

• Coordinate appointments, referrals, imaging, biopsies, surgeries, and specialty care services
• Manage incoming oncology referrals and facilitate timely patient access to care
• Collaborate closely with providers, infusion staff, schedulers, billing, pre-certification, registration, laboratory, and other departments
• Assist patients in establishing primary care and specialty care services when needed

Barrier Assessment & Resource Navigation

• Assess barriers to care including: transportation, financial concerns, insurance issues, social determinants of health, community support needs
• Connect patients with community resources, cancer support organizations, financial assistance programs, educational resources
• Assist with grants, financial assistance applications, and resource referrals

Patient Education

• Provide education and supportive resources related to cancer diagnoses, treatment plans, medications, wellness and supportive care
• Tailor education to patient learning needs and cultural considerations
• Include family/support persons in education when appropriate

Documentation & Program Support

• Document patient interactions, barriers, referrals, and coordination activities in the electronic health record
• Maintain accurate patient tracking and navigation records
• Monitor Artera messages and patient communication platforms
• Support quality improvement initiatives and department KPIs

Collaboration & Communication

• Serve as a liaison between patients, providers, families, and multidisciplinary care teams
• Participate in care coordination and team communication activities
• Maintain confidentiality and HIPAA compliance at all times

Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate's or bachelor's degree in Health Sciences, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Healthcare Administration, or related field preferred but not required

Experience

• Minimum two (2) years of experience in healthcare, patient services, case management, community health, or related field required
• Experience working with oncology patients, chronic disease populations, patient navigation, and community health outreach strongly preferred

Certifications

• Current AHA BLS (Heartsaver) certification required

Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse patient populations
• Strong problem-solving and resource navigation abilities
• Knowledge of community resources, financial assistance programs, healthcare systems, patient education techniques
• Proficiency with electronic health records, Microsoft Office, email and spreadsheets, oncology management software
• Ability to exercise initiative, judgment, and independent decision-making

Work Environment

This position works primarily in an outpatient oncology clinic setting with frequent communication with patients, families, providers, staff, and community organizations. The role may involve exposure to blood, bodily fluids, communicable disease, chemotherapeutic agents, hazardous materials, and emotionally challenging situations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Compensation Range: $19.50 - $30.14 hourly, based on 0-22 years of relevant experience.
• Benefits include generous paid time off, separate sick leave, health, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, long-term disability and option for short-term disability, and retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Job Type: Full-time
• Anticipated End Date for Posting: June 30, 2026. The deadline may close sooner due to an unanticipated business necessity, such as an incumbent vacating the role earlier than anticipated. You are encouraged to apply well in advance of the deadline.

Pagosa Springs Medical Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment, and we will not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, age, sex, religion, creed, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a pre-employment health and drug screen and background check.